IDENTIFIERS *Latinos

This report suggests that the first step toward achieving educational excellence for Hispanic Americans is to increase retention and graduation rates for Hispanic Americans already enrolled in college. It examines the extent and nature of Hispanic college enrollment in comparison to that of adults of other racial/ethnic identities. Breakdowns of college enrollment by racial/ethnic origin and generational status were developed by combining Current Population Survey (CPS) data on college enrollment from the late 1990s. Results indicate that large numbers of Hispanics are enrolled in postsecondary education. By some measures, a greater share of Hispanics attend college classes than non-Hispanic whites, though most pursue paths associated with lower chances of attaining a bachelor's degree. Many are enrolled in community colleges, attend school part-time, and delay or prolong their college education. About 10 percent of all Hispanic high school graduates enroll in some form of college. Only Asians enroll at a highe